In PR and brand marketing, creating a memorable, immersive experience can significantly impact sales and brand loyalty. Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand known for its bold flavors and healthy twist on classic soda, recently raised the bar with a futuristic pop-up activation on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Designed to celebrate the launch of its latest flavor, Wild Berry, this pop-up reimagined a convenience store and merged elements of nostalgia with modern digital touches. Through unique elements like holographic visuals, exclusive merch, and celebrity partnerships, the Poppi Mart pop-up captivated attendees while building a stronger brand connection. This innovative event highlights how experiential marketing can effectively drive sales, strengthen brand loyalty, and amplify awareness.
One of the most compelling aspects of Poppi’s pop-up was its design, thoughtfully crafted for social media. With a futuristic, photo-ready aesthetic, Poppi Mart encouraged guests to capture their experience and share it online. The space featured holographic visuals, 3D graphics, and chrome props that reinforced the brand’s new visual direction while providing an ideal backdrop for user-generated content. From custom holographic stickers to Wild Berry-themed decor in shades of blue and purple, every detail invited attendees to create Instagram-worthy moments.
Given the importance of social media as a primary marketing channel, Poppi’s choice to create a space that encouraged organic sharing was smart. Poppi extended its message beyond the event space by emphasizing Instagram- and TikTok-friendly aesthetics, reaching a larger audience through social shares. This approach helps drive sales by leveraging user-generated content, allowing customers to become brand ambassadors who authentically endorse Poppi’s products.
Poppi’s marketing strategy for the Wild Berry launch marked a bold departure from the brand’s signature pink and yellow palette associated with its Strawberry Lemon flavor. Instead, Poppi Mart adopted a cooler, darker color scheme, reflecting the new flavor’s vibe and adding a fresh twist to the brand’s identity. Chrome accents, holographic elements, and gradient hues aligned with a “futuristic” aesthetic, distinguishing Wild Berry and reinforcing Poppi’s larger “The Future of Soda” campaign.
This updated look extended beyond the physical space, ensuring consistency across all channels, from Poppi’s Instagram and TikTok profiles to its out-of-home advertising and merchandise. The cohesive visual direction embedded the new Wild Berry flavor in consumers’ minds while promoting Poppi’s mission to redefine soda. Playing with fresh colors and aesthetics memorably allowed Poppi to enhance brand perception, driving curiosity and demand for new products.
Another essential element of Poppi’s pop-up was its exclusive merchandise, available only at the event. Wild Berry-themed sweatshirts, beanies, hats, totes, and T-shirts became an extension of the pop-up, transforming attendees into brand advocates even after the event ended. The exclusivity of the merch created urgency, encouraging immediate purchases and reinforcing Poppi’s identity in consumers’ minds.
Merchandise also served as a touchpoint for deeper community engagement. The event included meet-and-greet opportunities with Poppi’s co-founder and chief brand officer, Allison Ellsworth, fostering a direct connection between the brand and its fans. When consumers connect with the people behind the brand, they’re more likely to feel loyal and invested, translating into repeat purchases. Engaging fans through face-to-face interactions and exclusive offerings strengthens Poppi’s community, creating a lasting impression.
Ultimately, Poppi Mart succeeded in launching a new flavor and creating a buzzworthy experience that drove sales, reinforced brand identity, and built a stronger community—using its pop-up as a platform for user-generated content, exclusive merchandise, and celebrity partnerships. Poppi demonstrates how experiential marketing can make immediate sales and lasting brand loyalty.
Poppi’s upcoming appearances, including Natural Products Expo West and Coachella, promise to build on this momentum. As the brand continues expanding, this experiential approach will likely remain central to its PR strategy, positioning Poppi as a leader in reimagining the beverage market and inspiring consumer engagement.
CATIE COOPER 
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